Government to Motivate Women and Young People to Become Full-Time Farmers
PM Roosevelt Skerrit revealed he plans to generate $700 million from the agriculture sector by making women and young people full-time farmers. He said he plans to increase Dominica’s agricultural revenue of $230 million to $700 million in the next eight years. The DLP administrator made this assertion at the recently concluded Value Chain Stakeholder Consultation in Goodwill.
Skerrit said his government intends to bring all hands on deck to realize the economic objective by 2030. He said agriculture will be incentivized to build productive capacity and efficiency to make full-time farming a rewarding experience for all. He said the government will assist farmers with farm automation, hydroponics, greenhouse technology, crop rotation techniques, and other digitization methods.
The national leader also stated that his administration will provide financial supports, farming equipment and supplies, improved irrigation system, as well as motorable roads to increase farm access. He said Dominica can generate millions of dollars monthly from the agriculture sector if things are done right in a concerted manner.
There is money to be made from the sector. If the approach is business-like, returns on the sale of agricultural produce can range in the millions on a monthly basis. As we speak, contracts totaling in excess of $22 million have been contracted to improve farm access roads in many communities across Dominica. We will take action to further penetrate the regional market and increase the sale of Dominican products to our sister islands.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
The prime minister disclosed that at the regional level, Dominica’s export for dasheen, sweet potato, plantain, and yams has been impressive. He said commercial farming must be upgraded for the cultivation and export of cantaloupe, strawberry, blueberry, bell peppers, brocoli, cauliflower, and other non-traditional high-value fruits.
But more needs to be done to access international markets for higher revenue. He said market research and development will be embarked upon to boost the country’s agricultural chances. He added that given the success of Discover Dominica Authority at the tourism sector, an agriculture agency will also be established to oversee agricultural marketing to the outside world.
The agency will take a focused approach to corner the market and ensure a steady flow of agricultural produce for sale abroad. My view is that this agency will coordinate all aspects of production and marketing and also oversee technology introduction and adaptation, plans propagation and financing to support the commercialization of agricultural production, and agribusiness.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
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